Diabetes and Trigger Finger

Diabetes is a chronic condition that increases the risk for serious health problems for those saddled with the disease. Among the most common complications connected to diabetes are cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, and depression. One of the lesser known conditions is trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis.

Trigger finger is a musculoskeletal ailment that affects the ligaments and tendons in the hand. Those dealing with this condition have a finger or thumb that gets stuck in a bent position, then the digit straightens with a snap, not unlike a trigger being pulled then released.

Trigger finger is more common in women than men and occurs most often in people between the ages of 40 and 60. The condition occurs when there’s an overgrowth or swelling of tissue in the tendon sheath of the flexor muscles. When the tendon can no longer glide smoothly through the sheath, it catches and remains bent. It releases with a painful click as it straightens.

What’s the Connection?

The cause of trigger finger is unknown, but there are a number of factors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition. One of those factors is diabetes. Trigger finger gets lumped with other diabetes-related joint conditions, including frozen shoulder, diabetic stiff hand syndrome, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Trigger finger is a fairly common complication of diabetes, particularly in long-standing diabetes. It’s thought that chronically elevated blood glucose levels cause the connective tissue to become glycated, which means an irreversible bond between glucose and protein forms in the tissue which damages it.

This condition affects 2 to 3 percent of the general population, but 10 to 20 percent of those with diabetes.

Trigger Finger Treatment

Treatment for this condition varies depending on its severity. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen may relieve the pain but typically won’t address the underlying tendon issue. Noninvasive treatments include rest, wearing a splint, and specific stretches.

If the conservative treatments don’t work, doctors often suggest one of two more invasive options: a corticosteroid injection or surgery. Sometimes called a trigger finger release, the surgery is an outpatient procedure completed under local anesthesia.

Concerns with Corticosteroid Injections and Diabetes

Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to treat a variety of hand and wrist conditions. The local injection involves administering the medication near or into the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation, and it has the potential for a definitive cure in the case of trigger finger. This option for diabetic patients comes with caveats though.

A 2007 study by the Washington University School of Medicine found that corticosteroid injections were significantly more effective in the digits of nondiabetic patients than those of diabetic patients. In patients with diabetes, the injections did not decrease the surgery rate or improve symptom relief when compared to the placebo group of the study.

Additionally, the study cited a pair of previous investigations that reported transient increases in blood glucose levels after corticosteroid injections in the hand or wrist. The study noted a varying impact on glucose control in participants.

What to Do When Suffering from Trigger Finger and Diabetes

If you’re suffering from trigger finger as a person with diabetes, the first step is to consult your physician. Your endocrinologist may refer you to an orthopedic specialist, who will evaluate the severity of your condition. Once you have a solid grasp on what you’re facing, then you can make the best decision possible.

As with all things diabetes, you should maintain vigilant glucose monitoring, and should you elect to have a corticosteroid injection, be ready to adjust your medications accordingly.

About the author: David Fernandez is a teacher and freelance writer who has had type 1 diabetes for 25 years.

I had alot of problems with TF in my 30’s when I wasn’t exactly a perfect diabetic (I still am not purrfect 30 years later … but I do my best). Surgery after having Cortisone injections proved unsuccessful and of course played havoc with my blood sugars. Main thing, as long as you do not let it go too long … seek help … all should be good. Great article @DavidFernandez 🙂

I had frozen shoulder 10 years ago and for nearly a year I was having issues with hallux rigidus (stiff big toe), but I have regained most of the flexibility in the toe. Is there such a thing as ‘frozen toe’ and is it connected with diabetes?

I was a medical transcriptionist for decades and have had both trigger finger/s and carpal tunnel repairs. I wonder about the diabetes connection, though, since they’re both fairly common occupational hazards of people who use keyboards.